The Bill to ban declawing in New York State currently being debated and discussed is stuck in the committee stage at the Assembly and the Senate. This important Bill has been at this stage since last year and there are 14 days left in this legislative session. As I understand it, if the Bill does not proceed in this session, it will have to be restarted (and may therefore die) but I am prepared to be corrected on that aspect of the legislative process.
This news is disappointing to cat lovers and those who detest the declawing of cats. I have written about this important draft legislation before on several occasions full of hope that New York state would lead the way amongst the 50 states of America in banning declawing. Thus far eight American cities have done it and then the progress dried up.
We need the process of the cessation of declawing in the USA to continue and a ban across an entire state would be massive. It appears that the veterinarians have a stranglehold on their buddies in politics.
The vets (who are essentially businessmen and women) lobby their politician friends in government and voilà the ban fizzles out because of filibustering which is a term used to mean using delaying tactics to run a Bill into the long grass and bury it.
I may have jumped the gun and made a false presumption but it certainly looks like that. There was a lot of excitement and news about the NY Bill several months ago but the latest news is not good as far as I am concerned.
The veterinarians always insist that they should have the last word on whether the declawing operation is carried out or not. They say that they are the consummate professionals and will make a judgement about declawing in the interests of the cat. Bollocks to that! The don’t declaw in the interests of the cat. They declaw in the the interests of (a) their wallet and (b) the cat’s owner. Why don’t the politicians get this? Oh, I forgot, they do get it. They just don’t give a damn about cat welfare.
See PoC custom search on this topic and extended ancillary topics.
Yes, I do not support people, products or services that aren’t supportive of well being for all concerned. De-clawing is just one of many, and I discover more all the time. I didn’t know that Fancy Feast comes to us through cruel slavery of adults and children, or that most pet foods are made with euthanized/diseased animals, road kill, and harmful chemicals. I can’t go back to “not knowing”.
The truth is available, but many choose not to see, and instead “look the other way”. More and more, I’m researching nearly every product/service I buy.
I only learned last week that “Yelp” reviews are a subscription service paid for by the business, and the same for “Value Star”. (It’s in the fine print.) If there’s a way to scam people, the predators will find a way to twist the words, so a first glance, it seems wonderful. Most people don’t have time to research. I have the time, and make it my business.
I’ve helped several people who are being financially strangled by various “systems” because they accepted that they had no choice. I’ve been able to save two people $100 a month, and am consulting the third. Navigating the system is about survival and empowerment that comes from knowledge.
The objective, ofcourse, is money.
If people seeking a vet or continuing with a vet, would ask if they declawed and declined services if they did, it may put a damper on it.
Yes Dee, this is the philosophy of Sandy. It is in the hands of clients.
This is yet another reason I hate vets. I don’t have animosity for any group as a whole, but what I’ve experienced so far leads me to believe that money is the priority. When you’re in a “god like” position, in which pet guardians trust you (with knowledge that they don’t have) to care for their animals, it’s a temptation not many can refuse.
Why teach preventative care, if the health issues keep the client coming back? Also, since most (not sure of stats) vets believe that prescription foods are healthy, and cover so many pet health challenges. There’s a RX food for almost every issue. Because people “trust” their vets about this, and are willing to pay anything to help their pet, it’s an easy add on money making system. Vets rely on the fact that most clients won’t do their own research in spite of the information available online. They seem to resent it if the client questions their decisions.
I’m having a health challenge with my cat because she has an infected tooth. The gum is red and swollen. My new vet presented me with an estimate for xrays, blood work, cleaning, extractions that starts at $1000. I’m a senior living on $12,000 year. Besides the cost, I know my cat is highly sensitive to drugs, so I’m feeling very fearful about this necessary process.
I’ve decided to get a second opinion and estimate. I found a vet who has extensive education in pet dentistry, but I noticed that she also does De-clawing. I will not take my cat there, on principle. I would never support a de-claw vet.
I found another vet, a woman with a mobile treatment van. She parks in a convenient spot, only 3 miles from me. The reviews are very positive. So, I’ve made an appointment for 2 days from now. I will present her with a detailed history on Mitzy, because I believe this offers the best chance for informed decisions.
Mitzy’s had a couple of rounds of anti-biotics this last year, and they may have affected her immune system, in addition to the drug reactions she had from ear cleaning. She’s 7, and has had no health issues before I took her in last year for constipation. One vet said “she may have a mechanical problem” and prescribed Lactulose and Royal Canin High Response dry food. She gave her the anti-biotic Baytril, because she “might” have a UTI, even though there were no signs of this. No tests were done. The entire experience with this vet was negative, and she threatened to take Mitzy away from me. If only I’d had that on tape.
So, I changed vets. The next vet said Mitzy would need to take Lactulose 4 times a day for the rest of her life! I refused to accept that diagnosis, and switched to commercial raw food that’s made locally. From the first day of eating raw, she had a good bowel movement! I stopped the Lactulose completely, and no more constipation! At least this vet didn’t push prescription food. Since then, it’s been one thing after another. Ear infection (from Baytril?) UTI, and now an infected tooth. (maybe more)
The vet told me that Mitzy’s UTI was “bacterial”, which is “rare”. I read up on the testing for UTI, and found that if urine is taking from the exam table (which it was) the results are very unreliable. That makes sense! They gave her Clavamox anti-biotic, which cleared the infection. They wanted to do a re-check, which I didn’t do.
Instead, I started her on D-Mannose, (recommended by Vitality Science during a “free” consultation) which creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria in the urethra. I sprinkle an eighth tsp. on her food, and mix in. This is also good for humans with frequent UTIs. My son recommended for one of his clients who’d had 6 infections in one year, and it’s eliminated this health issue completely! It doesn’t “treat” UTIs; it’s a “preventative”.
So, I’m at a crossroads with my beloved companion, facing what may be a procedure that ends her life, or gives her a serious reaction and lowered immune response. I’m not a pessimist, but a realist, and I’m aware of the dangers of drugs, specifically on Mitzy, who’s shown a low tolerance with serious reactions. But I have to go forward, hoping for the best. If I lived in the Los Angeles area, I would take her to Dr. Lisa Pierson, a highly respected vet who rescues animals and saves lives with raw food. Her website offers valuable information for those of us who want to learn how we can help our pets heal, and live longer than they might otherwise. Michael may refer readers to her site, since I’m unable to in my comments. A search on her name will show it.
That just about sums it up. Vets rely on illness. It is rather peculiar when you think about it. They want cats to be ill. The problem is that when you combine money making with illness you get distortions in ethics.
You are doing a truly wonderful job of caring for Mitzy. It is absolutely top class. No one could do better. You should be proud of yourself. The vets don’t come out of this story very well. I am not sure we can rely on them unless we select then very carefully and challenge them when necessary.
I know you’ll make the best decision than can be made for Mitzy’s welfare. The best of luck.
I am happy to refer readers to Dr. Lisa Pierson. I’ll look her up on the internet.
Sandy, you might consider crowd funding to fund veterinary care. That may not appeal to you at all. And I’d understand that. People have done it before.
You said, “Vets rely on illness.”
How is this any different than YOU and every last TNR promoter who gets their money from blogging about and pleading for donations for injured, suffering, and dying cats?
Got a mirror handy? Learn to use it.
I don’t rely on illness. I don’t do TNR. I do this website to help promote cat welfare and to keep myself occupied. It does not make a profit. All my work is given free. So your argument is bunkum. Sorry. Have you got a mirror 🙂 Have a good look at yourself and ask: did I check the facts?
Well said, Sandra.
Sandra, I’m overwhelmed with all of the recommendations for Mitzy.
Most of all, I’m confused as to what her immediate issues are.
I’m guessing that her tooth issue is #1 priority. As in a previous thread, seek out a feline only vet. Do it! Do it now! She’s suffering.
I know how you fear medications, but use your online skills to seek out appropriate antibiotics and pursue.
My own family doctor will prescribe antibiotics for me that he knows full well are for cats.
Can’t understand the Lactulose which is, usually, given for encephalopathy. Does she suffer from end stage liver disease (as I do from HCV)?
Choose your vet care carefully. Feline only please.
Dee, Lactulose is a stool softener, maybe I’ve spelled it wrong…Lactalose? It’s basically vegetable glycerin.
I shared Mitzy’s history as a way to explain what might be the cause of the infected tooth. (antibiotics which have lowered her immune system response)
As I stated: “I’m having a health challenge with my cat because she has an infected tooth. The gum is red and swollen. My new vet presented me with an estimate for xrays, blood work, cleaning, extractions that starts at $1000.”
I just contacted a local organization called BrightHaven, and asked what vet they recommend, since they provide care to sick, aged, disabled and abandoned pets whose guardians have died. It just dawned on me that they might be a good resource.
The response I got, basically said “I don’t trust vets in general. We have one vet that has earned our trust. He’s done serious repairs on animals who didn’t look like they
would live. He’s done all the dental work needed. He always takes time to answer questions. Doesn’t carry prescription foods, and only recommends species appropriate diets.” “And doesn’t de-claw.” Clients call him the “Cat Whisperer” because he’s able to handle even feral cats with gentle compassion, and they respond to him.
This seems to be the vet I’ve dreamed of. His office is 20 miles from me, but I may have someone drive me, since I have problems with my feet swelling when I drive too long.
Anyway, I’m glad I followed my intuition by asking for a referral from Bright Haven. The director, Gail Pope, has written two books on animal death and hospice care. The titles are on their website.
I don’t know if I could provide hospice care in my situation. My preference is to euthanize rather than have a cat linger on the edge of dying. If I’d want it for myself, why wouldn’t I want it for my cat?
This might be a good topic for Michael to explore unless he has already, but I don’t see it in the list, and haven’t done a search yet.
Understand completely, Sandra. And, hope that BrightHaven will be where Mitzy gets the help she needs for her mouth.
I, mistakenly, made the assumption that she was in liver failure because she was on Lactulose which is it’s primary purpose. But, like so many drugs, Lactulose has a few secondary uses such as being a stool softener/laxative, although my opinion is that it can be too harsh for a cat.
The best of luck to Mitzy.
I’m in total agreement about Hospice Care for cats.
Even with humans, Hospice is in the business of expediating death. They are known to take away even crucial meds in order to make death happen.
I would never want the care of my seriously ill cat with anyone but me. It would kill me not to be there for them. But, if I were convinced that they were truly suffering, than euthanasia, in my presence, would be my choice.
I would never let one of my cats leave this world without being in my arms if I could help it.
I don’t advocate going online but you may want to find some holistic advice and see if there is something more natural or a more judicious use of antibiotics that can be used on your cat. Just tread carefully online.
One option you haven’t mentioned is a targeted approach where you only remove the offending tooth and forego all the other procedures.
M.E.King, The only way I do research is to go online. It’s the way I find most resources I need. Rarely, I get information word of mouth, but even that isn’t reliable.
Can you tell me why you don’t advocate going online? It’s the source of nearly all information amassed over time.
How do you do research? I did mine at the library before the Internet, but the world if full of conflicting information that’s necessary to sift through. The Internet speeds the process. I’m so thankful I don’t have to do research the hard way. And, this is in addition to my extensive cat library of books.
While I was thrilled when this first came up in NY I had a sinking feeling the entire time that this would happen! Yes, it will die, Michael, and have to be restarted. These veterinarians who are so strongly opposed to the passage of such an important bill are just too money hungry and don’t think outside the box (no pun intended- but “outside the box” is what many declawed cats must resort to after they have been brutalized. If these vets would sell scratching posts, cat trees, and other supportive items to help folks with their kitties (and soft paws is a big ticket item too) they would not only help their clients with their cats, would prevent outrageous side-effects, and make a nice profit. They don’t have to declaw – they certainly wont go broke if they stop this.
Well, I totally agree. The vets have too much strength amongst the lawmakers. Politicians should be ashamed of themselves. It is the old story: business in league with politicians to run our lives in a way that displeases us very often.
Veterinarians are very alert to any change in animal status. AMVA would be the people to jump on. They like them held as chattel.
It’s animal abuse plain and simple. But it’s legal animal abuse that generates profit.